Verified answer

All people from different generations have different expectations from the workplace.

Where a younger person accepts change, in fact demands it. Is easier to train and ideal in part of a team.

An older person in fact, can resist change. Because the way they had learnt is the only way they know and are willing to do something.

This does not mean that either employee, can not be a willing participant in the workplace. In fact they can be valuable and productive if spoke to in the right way.

Think of your own parents when they give you advice. Alot of the times, their advice might be unwanted but relevant. Their advice, is not what you want to do or the path you want to take.

Yet your parents all they want in return is not for you to follow their advice. But VALIDATE their life experience and knowledge by at least taking the time to acknowledge what they have to say.

Its a sign of respect.

Where a younger person might not need that sort of attention. An older person requires that sense of validation and respect.

A younger employee, can be given an order and they might jump right to it.

An older employee might stand their look at you for a while, put up resistance, because its different to what they are used to doing and a different approach to the job. They may not like it.

So here is an example on how to promote self worthiness in an older employee and inspire them..........

Use the POSITIVE, NEGATIVE, POSITIVE APPROACH otherwise known as Praise, Discipline, Praise....

(An older employee named Sally, 45 years old has not been performing lately. Although in the past her performance has been good. It has deteriorated since a new approach has been brought into the company)

When i speak to Sally my phrasing and wording would go a little like this.................

"Sally, how are you this morning? . Its great to see that you have been able to reduce waste within the company in terms of materials, which would have otherwise been lost. You need to know your effort in this matter are greatly appreciated and look forward to it coming up in the monthly report. (PRAISE/POSITIVE) I need to let you know, there has been a downturn in productivity on a particular part in your area, and i am concerned that there might be some problems your encountering . We need to ensure that the production pace is kept within our expected rates, so that our customers are kept happy (DISCIPLINE/POSITIVE) Im sure you will agree . The effort you have put in lately has been a godsend. Alot of our past accomplishments has been greatly attributed to your product knowledge and if we can keep up with our recent history of customer service , this casn be an even greater place to work in. The team really appreciates your hard work. (PRAISE/POSITIVE)

So you see, even though Sally is an older employee. When i speak to her i validate her knowledge.

By giving her a praise in the beginning i give her self worthiness.

By giving her discipline in the middle i get my message across of wrongdoing

By giving her praise in the end, i inspire her to do better

Thats all she needs to be a productive member of the team and not give resistance to you. She needs self worthiness.

On the side, without offending you. I would suggest a people management training course. Where they teach you how to talk to people of different generations within the workplace. It shows you their different expectations from their leaders, their expectations from the company and more importantly their self worthiness.

Dont tell anyone you did the course. Just do it, with help from your own boss.

You will see the effects of the training you got , in your employees once you start implementing what you have learned. Its an instant affect

Work on your phrasing, how you talk to them and remember the POSITIVE/NEGATIVE/POSITIVE method.

It does work. People need self worthiness and validation, in fact older employees expect it. Does not mean you have to do what they want. You just need to take the time to listen is all. Then do what you want.

You never know, their approach might have a hint of relevance to sucess. They would not be doing their job if you deny them that right.

Even without doing the training course . Google..........Generations of people and expectations in the workplace on the internet. You will find information you need to communicate effectively and execute approaches, at the same time keeping a smile on the employees face.

You give her the pimp hand (make sure its strong) ask her what shes doing out of the kitchen, then tell her to get back in there and make you a sandwich. Worked with my manager who was arguing with me

If you got the job and don't know what to do with this situation then really you don't deserve that job.